Dhaka Ready for Yunus-Modi Meeting at BIMSTEC Summit

Bangladesh is fully prepared for a potential meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, scheduled for April 3.

"From our side, we are ready for the meeting and are now awaiting a positive response from India,” Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin stated during a media briefing, where he also outlined Dr. Yunus’ upcoming visits to China and Thailand.

He emphasized the importance of any high-level meeting with neighboring countries, noting that this potential meeting with India holds particular significance given the current state of bilateral relations. "We hope that, if it takes place, it could help break the existing stalemate between our two nations," he said.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently indicated that India is considering Bangladesh’s proposal for the meeting between Dr. Yunus and Prime Minister Modi.

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit will take place in Bangkok from April 2 to 4, with Dr. Yunus set to arrive on April 3. The main session involving heads of government will be held on April 4.

Ahead of the summit, Dr. Yunus will deliver a keynote speech at the “BIMSTEC Young Generation Forum: Where the Future Meets” on April 3.

The summit, under the theme "PRO BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC," is of special significance to Bangladesh as Dhaka will assume the chairmanship of the regional forum for the next two years. “This summit marks a new chapter for Bangladesh in the regional arena, allowing us to showcase a just and inclusive vision for South and Southeast Asia,” said Jashim.

He added that the summit will focus on regional peace, development, and cooperation across key sectors such as trade, energy, security, agriculture, tourism, and disaster preparedness.

During the summit, heads of state and government will issue a joint declaration by consensus. The Foreign Secretary will attend the 25th BIMSTEC Senior Officials' Meeting on April 2, while Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain will participate in the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on April 3.